Tips to find the hidden treasures at Greenwich sidewalk sales

Published 11:08 am, Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Shoppers in front of Shoes 'n' More during the annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich in 2013. The festivities will return from July 10 to 13, 2014. As in other years, merchants will be offering deep discounts and sales, but it takes a good strategy to pick up those treasures. less

Shoppers in front of Shoes 'n' More during the annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich in 2013. The festivities will return from July 10 to 13, 2014. As in other years, ... more

The annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich, offered discounts to savvy shoppers in 2013. The event returns in 2014 on July 10, for four days of deals along Greenwich Avenue and surrounding streets. less

The annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich, offered discounts to savvy shoppers in 2013. The event returns in 2014 on July 10, for four days of deals along Greenwich ... more

At right, Tommy Hull of Greenwich shops for clothes at Vineyard Vines during the annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich, Thursday, July 11, 2013. This Greenwich Avenue store is one of the stops that shopper and Greenwich resident Maria Stich makes sure to hit during the sales. In the past, she has found great clothing and accessory deals there. less

At right, Tommy Hull of Greenwich shops for clothes at Vineyard Vines during the annual Greenwich Sidewalk Sales in the central business district of Greenwich, Thursday, July 11, 2013. This Greenwich Avenue ... more

Like any good hunter, Maria Stich is patient and persistent, methodical in her approach and swift when she strikes. She has to be, if she wants to leave with those shorts.

Stich is one of the thousands who turn out each year to capture the deeply discounted treasures -- such as those shorts for her sons -- that await along Greenwich Avenue and surrounding streets during the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce's annual sidewalk sales.

"It is like you are in the jungle and scoping out prey," the Greenwich resident said, chuckling. "You keep your eyes open and you think, `One day it is going to be out in the open and I am going to bag it.' "

There is no guarantee those strappy white sandals or to-die-for dress you have been eyeing all season will be on those sidewalk racks, but there are steals and deals to be made all the same. As just one example, sharp-eyed shoppers two years ago were able to snatch up Kate Spade leather bags originally set at more than $400 for about $150.

"We hit it early and we hit it hard the first day," said Stich, who is joined by her 22-year-old daughter, Stephanie. It is a tradition they have held since Stephanie was in high school. "We go early enough so we can do a first reconnaissance to see what's out there ... and then we go in earnest."

When the anecdotes start trickling through the crowd, it can get a bit heady -- quality wallets for $5, party dresses finally within reach. "There are times when you lay your hands on a belt that normally goes for $60 or $70 that you can now buy for $5 and you feel you have really scored," Maria Stich said.

There is more than clothing that will be up for sale during the event, which runs July 10 to 13. But with an avenue (and surrounding streets) filled with small to large clothing and shoe stores, such as Wishlist and Shoes 'n' More, and national and international retailers and designers, such as Vineyard Vines, Richards, Michael Kors, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, J. Crew and others, offering discounts up to 70 percent, and perhaps more, the chance to build or bolster a wardrobe, and stretch that wallet, is there for the savvy shopper.

Whether you are building the basics, or adding some pop, it's best to come armed with a strategy, say those who proffer fashion advice. And you should start at the very place you hope to deposit those treasures once you have found them -- your closet.

"See what you have and see what you need to build from," said Claudino Weber, who runs Greenwich-based Claudino Weber Productions. In addition to event planning and real estate staging, Weber advises his clients on fashion choices. "Sometimes, you can just get a couple of items that you can mix and match with what you already have."

Such strategic purchases (Weber advises setting a budget before heading out) allows one to stretch a wardrobe, giving older outfits a new pop.

Sales can be beneficial in helping to build a look, but nationally known style consultant Sherrie Mathieson advised aspiring shoppers to arrive with a realistic attitude. At sidewalk sales, some staples might be sprinkled throughout, but more than likely items are oriented to a particular look or season.

"Fashion comes and goes," said Mathieson, a former Ridgefield resident and author of "Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets" and "Forever Cool: How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style."

"I tell clients when you evaluate an item, make sure you really, really want it. I'm a big believer in not clogging your closet ... so you really need to ask yourself, `Do I really need it, will it go with at least three other outfits?' " she said.

As for the inventory, what has made it to the discount arena is there for myriad reasons: outer wear left over from last winter, spring and summer clothes that must be shed to make room for fall collections and limited sizes.

At Shoes 'n' More, which has been in Greenwich for nearly 25 years, a big draw are the children's shoes, which can be more than half off original price, said the store's district manager, Ann Spallone. "The whole idea is to stock up," she said.

At Wishlist, expect a sampling of everything that is on sale in the store. "You generally find deeply discounted merchandise," said Tracy Houle, one of the chain's store managers. "There can be a dress that started at $200, and they can pick it up for $20."

Indeed, a handful of dresses was a particular find for the Stich shopping team a couple of years back. With Stephanie ready to build her professional wardrobe, mom was on the lookout. Stich couldn't remember the exact deal, but recalled that the price was right. "I needed to get some dresses that looked good and were professional," she said. "I found them at Lilly Pulitzer."